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agitate

Q: How is the word 'agitate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse , rock , and shake . While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring. // an ocean agitated by storms

Q: When is it sensible to use 'convulse' instead of 'agitate'?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm. // spectators were convulsed with laughter

Q: Where would 'rock' be a reasonable alternative to 'agitate'?

Although the words rock and agitate have much in common, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval. // the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Q: When can 'shake' be used instead of 'agitate'?

The meanings of shake and agitate largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose. // shake well before using

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of agitate

1 to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly

this room could use a ceiling fan to agitate the stuffy air a bit

Synonyms for agitate

Words Related to agitate

2 to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy

there's no need to agitate the patient about little things

Synonyms for agitate

Words Related to agitate

Near Antonyms for agitate

Antonyms for agitate

3 to make a series of small irregular or violent movements

set the washing machine so it will agitate for four minutes before going into the rinse cycle

Synonyms for agitate

bucket,
convulse,
jerk,
jiggle,
joggle,
jolt,
jounce,
judder
[chiefly British],
quake,
quiver,
shake,
shudder,
vibrate,
wobble
(also wabble)

Words Related to agitate

twitch

dodder,
waver

4 to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion

a question which has been agitated by the legislature time and time again

Synonyms for agitate

Words Related to agitate

Frequently Asked Questions About agitate

How is the word agitate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When is it sensible to use convulse instead of agitate?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter